Chapter Two:
Louise's POV
I walk into the training center, and a wave of peace washes over me.
For the first time today, I'm breathing properly. I'm calm. Refreshed. At ease.
This place always does that to me.
I head straight for my locker to get ready to train the pack warriors in combat. At the entrance to the dressing rooms, I run into Johnny, my best friend, my only confidant, the one person who knows the deepest parts of my soul.
We've been friends since forever.
And I'm lucky. Very lucky. Because everything I've ever told him has stayed with him.
"Hi, Lou," Johnny says with a grin.
"How are you doing? How was your morning?"
"You know the usual," I reply.
He winces. "That bad, huh?"
"Yes," I say. "It was terrible. But no need to bore you with it, okay?"
He lifts both hands. "Fine. Go get ready. Let's train some warriors."
"Sure."
After changing, I make my way to the training field and greet my students. We train hard and sweated a lot . When we finally take a break, I walk them through observation, precision, and perfect execution.
During the break, Johnny joins me in my section.
"I really love how things are playing out for me," he says suddenly. "I mean… last week I found my mate, and I've never felt happier. Everything is just coming up right for me."
"That's nice," I say honestly. "I hope I get my mate soon too. I want to experience love,something that doesn't change. Love bound by fate. Someone to stay with,to grow with. Someone to share fears and secrets with."
"You will," Johnny says without hesitation. "Bestie i promise you."
We hug.
The rest of the day passes in a blur.
Kyle's POV
By the time I sit on my throne in the Golden Pack council hall, my patience is already thin.
Four elders sit on each side of me. Dave is to my right,the chair beside mine empty, as always sitting there waiting for a Luna.
A position I hope never gets filled.
Elder Kane clears his throat. "Alpha, you know why you're here,so let's skip the unnecessary chit-chat. The pack needs a Luna."
I lean back. Something I've heard a million times. "And you know my answer. I don't need one. I don't require a woman to function as the Werewolf King."
"But Alpha," Elder Bella says gently, "there are duties meant for the Luna."
"Oh?" I ask coolly. "Such as?"
She hesitates, then lists them. "Managing the pack house,overseeing pack members, visitations,hospital duties,charity work,ceremony planning and...."
I lift my hand, cutting her off.
"All of which Dave and his mate handle perfectly well," I say. "Better than any woman would. If that's all, my answer remains the same."
"It isn't," Elder Mareth finally speaks.
The room stills.
She's the one who protected me when my birth mother abandoned her duties and nearly ruined the pack. I knew they'd bring her out eventually
"So tell me, Ma mareth," I say. "What remains that I supposedly need a Luna for?"
"The pack needs a symbol," she says calmly. "Peace, unity. A bridge between you and them. A Luna who nurtures the pack. And you need heirs. Dave and Tess cannot give you their children. That is not how it works."
"Kyle," she adds softly.
"Dave and Tess cover most of that," I retort. "Except the last part."
"They don't," she says. "And if you truly care about me,about this pack then you'll go on a blind date. I arranged it personally."
She coughs into her hand, dramatic as ever.
"Please, Kyle. Let me see your pups and the kingdom standing strong."
Of course. Emotional manipulation. As expected.
I exhale sharply. "Fine."
The room lights up.
"10:00am tomorrow," Elder Mareth says quickly. "Before your border inspection."
Dave means to stay neutral, but he fails. His joy slips through.
I already knew he was part of this.